1932 Studebaker President Convertible Sedan

The Studebaker brothers, Henry and Clem, established a wagon shop in South Bend, Indiana, in 1852 with a total capital of just $68. Migration to the western territories, the Indian Wars, and orders from settlers and the U.S. Army for covered wagons brought them great success with the company grossing $350,000 annually by 1867. Joined later by three more brothers, the company offered its first electric vehicle in 1902 and its first gasoline-powered car by 1904. Fast forward to 1932 and the company offered three series in ascending order, the Dictator, the Commander, and the top-of-the-line President. The prior year, 1931, was the first year for the Model 80 President Roadster, and it became a very popular car, often exhibiting a two-tone paint scheme. But based on the color scheme of the Speedway Roadsters of 1931, Studebaker painted all of its 1932 models with the chassis in the same color as the fenders. Customers could request any color they wanted, but burgundy and light gray were the most popular. Top-of-the-line Studebaker convertible sedans were hand-built using the finest materials available. This is one of only two known to survive.

This was the top of the Studebaker line in the Classic era, priced at $1,925. Only a handful of this model was custom-made, and only two are remaining today. Perhaps as few as 20 were built. The car was initially sold to Archival Grove Kent of California, in 1932. He retired to Mexico in 1944 and took the car with him. In 1965, he sold the car to Jose Luis Franco Montes, who passed the car to Lionel Stone of Sherman Oaks, California.

The original motor and instrument panel had been sold. In 2006, the current owners purchased the car from Mr. Stone and began a nine-year restoration project. The original motor was located. All the other missing or damaged pieces have been found or recreated. Invaluable help was received from the Studebaker Museum Archives and other Studebaker enthusiasts.